Group purchases historic library

By JIM LINCOLN

“We are tremendously excited,” said a jubilant Richard Johnson at a recent meeting of the Tecumseh Carnegie Preservation League (TCPL) regarding a purchase agreement for the historic Carnegie Library located on the corner of W. Chicago Boulevard and Maiden Lane.

The non-profit organization was formed in January to facilitate the acquisition and renovation of the vacant library, which has been on the market for several years. Local attorney Gary Baldwin closed on the sale of the property to the TCPL on Tuesday with a land contract for $110,000. Baldwin purchased the building from the Tecumseh Public Schools in 2002.

“The real work starts now,” said Johnson in regards to a community-driven fundraising campaign.  Johnson was the brainchild of the project and has spearheaded discussions as chairman of the league.

The project start was made possible through a $30,000 grant from the Community Fund Foundation, which issued a check to the group last week. “This is really great, a first milestone,” said league committee member Kim Koch.

Inspection of the building was led by Krieghoff-Lenawee Company, which has estimated renovation costs at $710,000.

Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch, who is heading up the fundraising campaign, said at least half of the $710,000 project would be needed within two years. “This is going to take a lot of work,” he said. “The building needs to be a community entrusted project. We all need to be prepared to support it.”

“The Carnegie Library and its legacy are an important part of Tecumseh’s history.  To restore this building and return it to public use is a testament to the spirit and tenacity of this community,” said TCPL committee member Paula Holtz.

Holtz said plans are being made to use the building as a Tecumseh welcome center. “It will be a long term process,” she said, and added it was too early to publicize what groups and public organizations might occupy the building.

League committee members include representatives from the Tecumseh Area Historical Society, Tecumseh District Library, Community Arts of Tecumseh, Tecumseh School Board, as well as local business owners and residents.

Through the league, committees have been set up to address fund development, marketing and events, building security, building and grounds, finances and volunteer development.

A number of donations have already been received, and donation of services has been provided by Krieghoff-Lenawee and grounds services for the first year by F&S Landscaping.

Donations can be made to the Lenawee Community Foundation and mailed to the Tecumseh Carnegie Preservation League, P.O. Box 8, Tecumseh, MI 49286.